Do I drink too much?
Drinking too much alcohol may cause dependency, damage internal organs and impair mental health. It can also lead to serious problems with family and work. Heavy drinkers may not always feel intoxicated because of their higher tolerance of alcohol and this may tempt them into drunk driving.
It can be hard for someone to tell exactly how much they normally drink. So it may be a good idea to keep a diary of alcohol consumed over a period of time or make a note in a diary or on a calendar every time you have a drink.
The Department of Health recommends that women have no more than two to three units of alcohol per day and men no more than three to four units of alcohol per day, with at least two drink-free days for both men and women.
Pregnant women are advised to drink no more than one to two units of alcohol once or twice per week. Heavy drinking during pregnancy can cause the baby to be born with a condition known as foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) which involves growth deficiencies, central nervous system defects, lowered IQ and facial malformations.
How much is a unit of alcohol?
A unit of alcohol is equivalent to:
These are the measures ordinarily used in pubs and restaurants. When drinking at home, people might be a little more generous.
If a person's alcohol consumption exceeds the limits laid down by the Department of Health they are putting their health at risk and should consider reducing the amount they drink. The latest advice is to think more in terms of daily rather than weekly consumption. Men who consistently drink four units a day and women who knock back three units of alcohol most days are in danger of damaging their health
Sensible drinking within the limits recommended by the Department of Health is unlikely to do any harm.
However, staying within the limits set by the Department of Health does not mean that a person is capable of driving a motor vehicle. When driving, it is best not to drink at all.
I am in control of my drinking, so I don't have a problem, do I?
If a person has had a high alcohol consumption for a long period
of time, they will have developed a tolerance to alcohol. This means that they
need to drink more and more alcohol before it has an effect on them. Being able
to drink a lot before feeling drunk may not seem like a problem but it can be a
danger signal.
A long cycle of heavy alcohol consumption simply means that the body's natural signals telling you when you have been drinking too much become less efficient. So you risk causing yourself serious harm.
What are the consequences of alcohol tolerance?
Alcohol tolerance can be compared to a lack of the ability to
feel pain. If a person didn't feel pain, they wouldn't immediately remove their
hand if they placed it on a hot stove and would not notice that they were burnt
until it was too late.
If a person has developed a tolerance for alcohol, they can no longer trust their body's signals telling them when they have been drinking too much. Instead, they will have to count the number of drinks they have drunk to know when they have had too much.
How do I reduce how much I drink?
A person who drinks too much may feel it is impossible for them
to reduce their alcohol consumption. If a drinking habit has been very heavy it
is often hard work to reduce it - simply because it is always difficult to
change habits. The person may not even be sure whether or not they want to cut
down anyway.
Fortunately, there are many different ways to reduce alcohol consumption and most people are able to find a way that suits them.
A step-by-step guide to reducing alcohol consumption
What if I can't reduce my drinking by myself?
Counselling can be tailored to the individual and it is also
possible for it to include other family members if this is appropriate.
What if I get heavy withdrawal symptoms when I try to reduce my
drinking?
I have heard a lot about Antabuse. Is this a solution?
Antabuse does not remove the craving for alcohol, but it will
help a drinker avoid being tempted to take a drink in a weak
moment.
For some people, Antabuse is therefore a good idea and a safety
measure. Ex-drinkers who have used Antabuse say it is a relief to know that
they cannot drink. It allows alcoholics to focus on things other than being
careful not to drink too much. However, Antabuse is a controversial medicine.
It does not help everyone who takes it, nor is it the only way to give up
alcohol.
For more information about Antabuse, consult your
GP.
It may be difficult for a person to reduce their alcohol
consumption without outside assistance. There are several places where it is
possible to get help and counselling. A GP will be able to refer a heavy
drinker to a counseller or an organisation that can provide expert help.
The decision to reduce alcohol consumption is a difficult one
and there is no reason to make it even more difficult. Withdrawal symptoms such
as trembling hands, perspiration and restlessness can be treated by a GP or
clinic. Medicines are available on prescription that will help relieve these
symptoms.
Antabuse, a prescription-only medicine, is designed to deter
people from drinking. If a person drinks while they are taking Antabuse, it
will cause serious and unpleasant symptoms including a severe headache,
blushing, a feeling of pressure in the chest, breathlessness, palpitations,
nausea and, in the worst cases, shock. In this event, treatment will be
required from a doctor or in a hospital emergency department.
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use
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